Nelson closer to becoming a UNESCO city of Crafts and Folk Art
The New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO has endorsed Nelson’s Expression of Interest and invited Nelson to proceed with the development of a full application.
The endorsement is a significant milestone for Nelson, recognising the city’s creative community and its long-standing reputation for craft and folk art.
Mayor Nick Smith says endorsement of Nelson’s Expression of Interest by the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO is great news.
“Nelson has a strong arts heritage, from early Māori creativity to institutions such as the Suter, Theatre Royal and NCMA. The creation of the World of Wearable Art in Nelson and events such as our jewellery and clay weeks and Adam Chamber Music Festival reinforce our credentials.
“We also host New Zealand’s longest-running annual regional arts festival – the Nelson Arts Festival – with the 2026 event starting on Thursday, 22 October. Hiwa, our new arts development agency, shows continued commitment to crafts and folk art as does progress on the delivery of He Tātai Whetū, Whakatū Nelson’s Arts and Creativity Strategy 2022-32.”
He Tātai Whetū Arts and Creativity Taskforce Chair Councillor Matty Anderson says the inaugural Nelson Tasman Pasefika Festival held at Founders Heritage Park on Saturday, 17 October 2026, was an example of delivering the strategy, which calls on the people of Whakatū Nelson to work together, in new and innovative ways, to realise the full potential of creativity as a force for our city, our community and our economy.
“The festival celebrated Pacific cultures, customs, languages and heritage. It helped members of the Pasefika community feel visible and expanded the experiences of members of wider public who got to learn about the rich cultures and stories of the Pasefika community in a fun, vibrant celebration.”
Council will work with the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO to draft an application and share any updates with the community as they happen.
No timeline has been set by UNESCO for when the final decision will be made.
